I’ve developed somewhat of a fetish for Sunday night live music in the past few months. I love seeing new acts and getting exposed to music outside of the norm. But when I wandered into Lola’s on Sixth Street on Sunday, I thought I might have missed the whole show.

There were no more than a dozen or so people milling about, and I hit the door just as Douglas and the Furs had finished breaking down their stage after an excellent (so I’m told) set. I did pick up a CD from them, and the little I’ve heard so far sounds good.

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from a band named Kites and Boomerangs, but I had heard good things from people I trust. The first drumbeats were electrifying, and although there were only a handful of people in the audience, they had everyone’s attention. The rhythm section drives this train, with a solid and precise drum track from Donnie, and a downright acrobatic bass line from Donovan that seemed to stitch everything together like a veteran trauma surgeon. There was rock in roll in there for sure, and there was some funk and some old-school fusion jazz. We even got a nice touch of reggae from time to time. Vocals were emphatic and harmonious, with each member adding substantially to the sonic fabric.

Halfway through the set, Donnie came out from behind the kit to play guitar, then bass and instrumental roles were out the window.

This band was about so much more than just solid instrumentals. There was real honest-to-God songwriting going one with these guys. I mean, creative breaks, changes, and solos that weren’t just showing off.

At one point we even got a cover of Led Zeppelin’s D’yer Mak’er, but there is no reason for these guys to cover anything. Originals are where they shine. Go see these guys live.

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